LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF TMCC DEVICE

I guess it depends on how strong the data signal is. there have been reports that the original TMCC command base has a stronger signal than the Legacy base. This came up while discussing the DZ switch controllers that were loading down the signal.

As RoyBoy said, the Legacy base doesn't send out as strong a data signal as the Command base does. I've worked on layouts that needed a booster to get all the accessories and switches working properly especially with the Z-2001 in the mix.

If you are having problems I suggest getting Dale Manquin's Legacy Base Booster. It works great and is easy to set up. Check it out here: http://www.trainfacts.com/trainfacts/?p=406

I will second the recommendation to get Dale Manquins Legacy signal booster.  It definitely solved the signal issue i was having.  Good luck.

Thanks guys. I have one of Dale's booster devices. I installed it. I'm having some troubles addressing the controllers to set the IDs and thought that I might have too many devices daisy chained - with all the ARC, BPC, ASC, OTC, AMC, TPC and AVC items.

Is there a way to check at the end of the chain what signal strength I am be getting at the end of the chain?

and/or is there something that should go in-between to boost further

and/or is there a better way to wire them rather than just daisy-chained from one to the other?

Rallph

In your first post you said you are daisy chaining everything through the Z-2001. Why don't you try just putting the switches through the Z-2001 and run the rest daisy chained through the Command Base cable (6-14191).

Just curious, how many boxes do you have?

Hi Steve

I don't exactly understand the wiring that you are suggesting. The comm serial plug goes to the Manco Booster then the Z-2001 plugs into it and the 3-wire base cable needed for the ARC plugs into that. From the ARC(s) - we go two wires to the other boxes. BPCs, (8), ASCs (8), TPCs set conventional [if I ever get the correct coding done] [2] and TPCs set Command (2), OTCs (2), AMC (2), AVCs (3). 

My layout is pretty big. I have been running mostly conventional and now am moving to LEGACY. My brilliant idea was to leave the layout alone, build a power center board, test it in a location where I did not have to crawl/bend/etc, then move it to the layout area, connecting all the outputs to the track, accessory and SW buses which run around the layout. 

I can see all the devices lite up when power comes on - I have a little LV trouble lite at the end of the chain of BPC, ARC, AMC, OTC boxes powered separately and it lites up as does the LED on each box. I can't get the CAB1 or CAB2 to talk to the TPCs so I can set them correctly to CONV/TMCC. When power comes up, the comm lite flashes, then goes off. I can't get the TRACK LED to come on when I try to address them. I am hoping to use ENG not TR to address them, but neither works.

Ralph

Sorry, I misunderstood. In your first post I thought you were saying that you used the data wire with a comm wire right from the Z-2001.

Do you see lights blinking on all/any of the boxes when you send any command from either remote? If not the data signal is not going through. Recheck your wiring especially to and from the ARC. Also try removing the boxes from the chain and add one at a time, the ARC first, and test as each is added.

Hi Steve

Except for the initial blink NADA. This PM I'll do as you suggested. Simple thought when said. No idea why I did't think of it.  Post later in the week when I make progress.

Ralph